Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey: Positives

Since taking the reins as Miami Dolphins general manager, Dennis Hickey has had quite the mess to clean up.

From dealing with the aftermath of the Jonathan Martin–Richie Incognito harassment scandal to dealing with Mike Wallace pouting, Hickey has been asked to change a lot about the Dolphins roster-wise.

So in this Hickey evaluation let’s take a look at the good things he’s done as the GM.

The Draft

Hickey has only been a part of two drafts. While it takes years to fully critique a draft class, both look pretty good.

The Dolphins went with players from the SEC or a lot of small school project picks in the 2013 draft. Their first two picks (Ja’Wuan James and Jarvis Landry) worked out exceptionally in their rookie campaigns. TE Arthur Lynch missed the entire 2014 season with a back injury and could challenge for playing time this year behind Dion Sims and Jordan Cameron.

The small school picks of OL Billy Turner, CB Walt Aikens, LB Jordan Tripp, WR Matt Hazel, and DE Terrence Fede were a mixed bag, but it appears all of these picks will get every opportunity to get significant playing time for the 2015 season.

Hazel and Turner played a combined two games last season for Miami, but with the wide receiving core turned on its head, and Rishard Matthews trying to pout his way off the team, Hazel has a chance to crack the line-up.

Turner, slowed down by a case of turf toe last season, could push for one of the starting guard positions that are easily the weak spots on the Miami offensive line.

So the 2014 draft brought on its share of contributors, and the 2015 draft looks like it’ll bring some big time playmakers.

Without going into a 2015 draft evaluation, the picks of WR Devante Parker and RB Jay Ajayi could add explosiveness to the often inconsistent Dolphins offense. While DT Jordan Phillips could push Earl Mitchell for the starting tackle spot alongside Ndamukong Suh.

Roster Turnover

Jeff Ireland made some bad roster decisions during his time as GM. Hickey has worked steadily to undo practically all of those transactions and effectively cut the fat out of the team.

Hickey turned the Martin-Incognito fiasco into a seventh round pick, which in turn he used to help get rid of habitual problem Mike Wallace in exchange for a fifth round pick.

Linebackers Phillip Wheeler and Danelle Ellerbe were supposed to solidify the second line of defense, but instead were massive disappoints. Hickey released Wheeler and then turned Ellerbe (along with a third round pick) into WR Kenny Stills.

Analytics Department

Hickey has brought analytics to the Miami Dolphins, which cannot be underestimated. Just another tool in the toolbox for Miami to use when it comes to player evaluation and scouting. Analytics aren’t the be-all, end-all of those two fields, but Hickey bringing advanced stats to the team can only help.

Placing Transition tag on Charles Clay 

The Dolphins wanted to keep Clay, but putting the transition tag on him was a great move.

It essentially forced Buffalo, you know a bitter divisional rival, to overpay for a tight end and fullback hybrid. Effectively putting the Bills in a tight spot cap-wise next season.

How about you? What do you think are Hickey’s highlights? Let us know in the comment section below.

Next time, we’ll look at some of the not-so-great things Hickey has done as GM.